Learn how to use your smartphone's built-in reader to scan QR codes
QR codes can be scanned using a smartphone's camera, but for it to turn into a decoder, it first needs to be enabled.
Check within the settings of your smartphone's operating system or preferred browser if there is an option to scan QR codes. If there is, enable it.
Once the feature is active, place your smartphone's camera over the QR code, and you will be redirected to its content in no time.
Alternatively, you can download one of the many QR code readers that are available for all operating systems, and most of them are free.
How to scan a QR code with an iPhone, an iPad or an iOS device
Apple's operating system is called iOS, and it is available for iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Mac computers. All iOS 11 iPhones and iPads have the Scan QR codes feature enabled by default.
In order to scan a QR code with an iPhone or an iPad, all you have to do is open the camera app and point it at the QR code. Then you will see a notification that asks you if you want to view the content.
If the notification doesn't show up, check the Settings of your phone and enable the Scan QR codes feature.
How to scan a QR code with a third-party app for iPhone, iPad, or iOS device
If your phone doesn't have the Scan QR codes feature, it may be due to the iOS version. But don't worry; you can download a QR code reader app from the App Store. These are the QR code reader apps that we recommend:
How to scan a QR code with an Android phone
There are many Android-based phones, including LG, Samsung, Nokia, Sony and more.
Generally speaking, in order to scan a QR code with an Android phone, all you have to do is open the camera app and point it at the QR code. Then you will see a notification that asks you if you want to view the content.
If the notification doesn't show up, check the Settings of your phone and enable the QR code scanning feature.
How to scan a QR code with a Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung phones have three unique ways to scan QR codes:
- you can use Bixby Vision after opening the camera app,
- you can use Samsung Internet, which is the browser app, or
- you can use the Gallery app by taking a picture of the QR code and then viewing its content.
How to scan a QR code with a third-party app for an Android phone
If your phone doesn't have the QR code scanning feature, it may be due to the Android version. But don't worry; you can download a QR code reader app from Google Play which is the app store for Android phones. These are the QR code reader apps that we recommend:
The Android versions that need an app to scan QR codes are from versions 1 to 7, except for version 6. Versions 8 and higher have the QR code scanning feature.